Google has powered smart televisions for over a decade with two different platforms – Android TV and Google TV. Confusingly, Google TV was discontinued in 2014 in favor of Android TV, only to relaunch in 2020 as a rebranding of Android TV.
So what exactly is the difference, and which Google-powered smart TV system delivers the best experience in 2023? This comprehensive comparison covers everything you need to know.
A Brief History of Android TV and Google TV
Google first entered the smart TV space in 2010 by partnering with Intel, Sony and Logitech to launch Google TV. This original platform ran on the Android OS and incorporated a Chrome browser, Google Play apps and mobile phone connectivity out of the box.
But early Google TV devices struggled with performance issues and negative reviews. So in June 2014, Google reset their smart TV ambitions with the launch of Android TV.
Built directly on top of the latest Android OS, Android TV was smoother, faster and integrated with more Google services than the original Google TV. It quickly gained traction across smart TVs, streaming boxes and dongles from Sony, Nvidia, Xiaomi, Hisense and more.
Then in 2020, Google decided to revive and rebrand Android TV under the name Google TV. So from 2023 onwards, the core Android TV platform will be known as Google TV across all devices.
Confusing right? Let‘s break down exactly how Android TV and Google TV compare on both software and hardware.
Key Software Differences Between Android TV and Google TV
When it comes to software, Android TV and Google TV share the same core foundations – the Android OS and Google‘s TV-optimized interface. So the experiences are broadly similar, just with visual design tweaks between generations.
Android TV features a bold, content-focused design that puts your favorite movies, shows and apps front and center on the homescreen.
Google TV adopts a more personalized profile-based interface, pulling recommendations from across your Google account and third party services like Netflix. There‘s also a dedicated ‘For You‘ tab with personalized watchlist and content cues.
Both platforms provide access to all the best Android TV apps like YouTube, Prime Video, Plex and a wide range of games. And you can cast to the TV from your Android or Chrome device.
But Google TV integrates everything more tightly across Google services like Photos, Nest and Chromecast. There‘s also newer features like multi-user profiles, ambient modes and the ability to view Nest doorbell alerts right on your TV.
Available Products: Android TV vs Google TV
Unlike products like Apple TV or Roku which are largely limited to streaming boxes/sticks, Android TV and Google TV come built into smart TV models from major brands.
Here are some of the key products featuring Android TV or Google TV software:
Android TV Devices
- Sony Bravia TVs
- Hisense ULED TVs
- Nvidia Shield TV box
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Xiaomi Mi Boxes
- TCL & Sharp smart TVs
Google TV Devices
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Sony Bravia XR TVs
- TCL 6/8-Series TVs
- Hisense U8H TVs
As Google rolls out their platform renaming from Android TV to Google TV, you can expect all these core devices to transition. Many smart TV models released in 2023 onwards will likely feature Google‘s latest software out of the box.
But the core functionality remains the same – access to content across various apps, Google Assistant voice controls and Chromecast streaming. For most users, navigating Android TV vs Google TV will come down to cosmetic differences in the interface.
5 Key Differences Between Android TV and Google TV Summarized
1. Launch Timeframes
- Google TV: Originally launched 2010, discontinued 2014
- Android TV: Launched 2014, renamed Google TV in 2020
2. Core Software
- Android TV: Forked version of Android OS
- Google TV: More customized UI layer on top of Android
3. Available Products
- Android TV: Sony, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi, TCL & Hisense
- Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense with tighter Chromecast integration
4. Design Focus
- Android TV: Content-first bold homescreen
- Google TV: More personalized with user profiles
5. Unique Features
- Android TV: Leanback launcher, sideloaded Android apps
- Google TV: Enhanced Google account integration with watchlist syncing across devices
Hardware Capabilities: Android TV vs Google TV
In terms of hardware specs, Android TV and Google TV devices can vary significantly. High-end Sony TVs will outperform the capabilities of a budget TCL set or streaming stick.
But in broad terms, here‘s what you can expect from the latest generation of Google smart TV hardware:
Display Resolutions
- Up to 4K with HDR/Dolby Vision
- Big screen TVs from 32 to 85 inches
Audio Quality
- Dolby Atmos support
- DTS, DTS:X and Sonos integrations
Performance
- Quad-core CPU
- 8GB Storage
- 2-4GB RAM
Connectivity
- WiFi 5/6
- Bluetooth 4.2
- HDMI ports
- USB media support
Flagship Google TV devices like the Sony X90K TV or Nvidia Shield offer best-in-class performance for streaming, gaming and home theater usage. But mid-range models still deliver solid 4K streaming at an affordable price point.
Android TV vs Google TV vs Competitors
How do Google‘s smart TV platforms compare to alternatives from Apple, Amazon and Roku? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
Android TV offers wider native app support compared to tvOS and Fire TV. The interface puts content front-and-center with configurable favorite apps and personalized recommendations.
Google TV builds on Android TV strengths for a tighter Google ecosystem experience. Profiles, watchlist syncing, Google Photos integration and Nest Doorbell previews really stand out.
But Apple TV arguably offers the slickest interface alongside premium hardware and Arcade/Fitness+ services. And dedicated streamers like the Roku Ultra provide robust app support in affordable plug-and-play devices.
Ultimately Android TV and Google TV compete strongly on software ecosystems, while struggling on consistent hardware partnerships compared to the likes of Roku, Amazon and Apple.
Which Smart TV Platform is Best in 2023?
Based on the long-term convergence roadmap, Google TV stands out as Google‘s definitive smart TV platform moving forward. Compared to plain Android TV, you get tighter integration with Google services and an interface built specifically for the living room.
The renamed platform also brings fresh energy as Google courts new TV partners like TCL rather than solely relying on Sony. Expect Google TV to expand onto cheaper smart TV models going forward.
But owners of existing Android TV products don‘t need to feel left behind. Most sets will get rebranded to Google TV through gradual software updates. Underneath it all, the core platform remains the same.
For smart TV buyers in 2023, Google TV brings greater future-proofing. But Android TV also continues to deliver excellent streaming functionality across live and on-demand content. Ultimately their capabilities are more alike than different.
Conclusion
While Google made a mess reviving an old brand, their smart TV platform continues to offer solid large-screen streaming against the likes of Apple, Amazon and Roku. Tighter Google account integration provides the main differentiation point for newer Google TV devices.
But Google TV vs Android TV comparisons still reveal more similarities than differences. At the end of the day, you get access to all your favorite apps and services regardless of the label. Google‘s focus on personalization provides the main point of differentiation for newer Google TV models moving forward.
So focusing on the specific TV hardware and price point offer more meaningful considerations rather than just software alone. Those already bought into Android TV can rest assured Google TV brings an interface refresh rather than major missing capabilities.
